HomeMy WebLinkAboutMarch 16, 2010CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY, MARCH 16, 2010
CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Wuo called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL OF CITY COUNCIL /REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEMBERS:
PRESENT: Council /Agency Member Amundson, Chandler, Harbicht, Kovacic and Wuo
ABSENT: None
CLOSED SESSION /STUDY SESSION PUBLIC COMMENTS (5 minutes per person)
CLOSED SESSION
52:0039
a. Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6 to confer with labor negotiators.
City Negotiators: Administrative Services Director Hue Quach and Human
Resources Administrator Michael Casalou.
Employee Organizations: Arcadia Public Works Employees Association, Arcadia
City Employees Association, Arcadia Police Officers' Association, Arcadia
Firefighters' Association and unrepresented employees: Department Heads,
Division Managers, Supervisors, and Part-time employees.
b. Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9 (a) conference with real property
negotiators:
STUDY SESSION
Property: 21 Morlan Place
Agency Negotiators: City Manager /Agency Executive Director, Development
Services Director /Deputy Executive Director and the Economic Development
Manager
Negotiating Parties: Arcadia Redevelopment Agency and Rusnak/Arcadia
Mercedes Benz.
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment
a. Report, discussion and direction regarding Arcadia Redevelopment Agency
finances, priority projects and the Redevelopment bond reauthorization and
funding for the Gold Line grade separation.
Jerry Schwartz, Economic Development Manager provided background information regarding
when the Redevelopment Agency was established and when the Central Redevelopment
Project Area was formed; he explained how redevelopment is funded through the incremental
increase in property taxes in the Central Project Area which is known as tax increment; that a
greater percentage of property tax is returned to the Redevelopment Agency for reinvestment in
the Project Area; and that the Agency shares its tax increment with other taxing entities
including L.A. County, school districts and special districts and receives approximately 50% of
the total tax increment before sharing it with those other taxing entities. He reported that in
order to collect tax increment, the Agency has to show it has debt.
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He noted that since the Project Area was established, the Agency's gross tax increment has
grown to over $4.3 million dollars, that 20% goes to low /mod housing set aside; that this money
funds all activities, operating costs, bond payments, payments to other taxing entities and
Supplemental Educational Revenue Augmentation Fund (SERAF) payments. He explained that
the Agency issued bonds to pay for the construction of the Public Works Yard, Police Station,
and the Gilb Historical Museum and other public improvements; he reported that since 1974, the
Agency has assisted in the development of six major hotels, nineteen office buildings, four
restaurants, and more than 1,400 full time and 2,000 part time jobs; and discussed potential
Redevelopment projects.
Hue Quach, Administrative Services Director discussed repayment of the Housing Set -a -Side
Fund; cash balances, operating and capital expenditures, ERAF payment and housing fund
deferred payments including funds available for development projects including the issuance of
bonds.
The City Council and Redevelopment Agency Board directed staff to continue working with its
financing team towards the potential issuance of a tax allocation bond financing.
Mr. Penman noted that no action was required; however a Special Study Session meeting is
proposed for March 23, 2010 at 8:30 a.m. to discuss the Grade Separation at Santa Anita
Avenue.
THE CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY ADJOURNED TO OPEN SESSION
Mayor Wuo called the regular meeting to order in the Council Chamber at 7:00 p.m.
INVOCATION - Reverend Larry Eckholm, Lutheran Church of the Cross
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Tom Tait, Public Works Services Director
ROLL CALL OF CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEMBERS:
PRESENT: Council /Agency Member Amundson, Chandler, Harbicht, Kovacic and Wuo
ABSENT: None
52:0040
REPORT FROM CITY ATTORNEY /AGENCY COUNSEL ON CLOSED SESSION /STUDY
SESSION ITEMS
City Attorney Steve Deitsch reported that the City Council and Redevelopment Agency Board
met in Closed Session to discuss the two (2) items listed on the posted agenda, no reportable
action was taken.
Mr. Deitsch further reported that the City Council and Redevelopment Agency Board also
conducted a Study Session to hear a report and to discuss and provide direction regarding
Arcadia Redevelopment Agency finances, priority projects and proposed potential bond
issuances; in addition he reported that the City Council and Redevelopment Agency Board did
the same with respect to a potential Gold Line Grade Separation financing; and that the City
Council and Redevelopment Agency Board provided direction to staff to proceed to continue to
work with its financing team towards the potential issuance of a tax allocation bond financing.
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PRESENTATIONS
a. Presentation to City Employees by the Arcadia Chinese Association.
1. PUBLIC HEARING
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY ITEMS:
CITY COUNCIL ITEMS:
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SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM CITY MANAGER/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS
City Manager Don Penman announced that there were no supplemental reports regarding
agenda items but that Public Hearing Item 1.a will be pulled from the agenda and will be
rescheduled and renoticed to a future date.
MOTION TO READ ALL ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS BY TITLE ONLY AND WAIVE
THE READING IN FULL
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem /Agency Vice Chair Amundson, seconded by
Council /Agency Member Chandler and carried on roll call vote to read all ordinances and
resolutions by title only and waive the reading in full.
a. Authorize the Executive Director to execute a lease with Rusnak/Arcadia for the
property at 21 Morlan Place and adopt a categorical exemption from CEQA
regarding the lease (Continued from March 2, 2010)
Recommended Action: Approve
Mayor Wuo announced that this item has been removed and will be rescheduled and renoticed
to a future date.
b. Approve the 2009 -2010 Weed Abatement Property List and direct the Los
Angeles County Agricultural Commissioner to abate nuisances upon those
properties.
Recommended Action: Approve
City Clerk James Barrows reported that on February 16, 2010, the City Council adopted
Resolution No. 6709 declaring its intent to authorize the abatement of noxious weeds, rubbish
and refuse from various properties in the City of Arcadia by the Los Angeles County Agricultural
Commissioner; that a public hearing for set for March 16, 2010 in order to hear objections from
the property owners of those affected properties. He advised that staff recommends the City
Council approve the 2009 -10 Weed Abatement Property List and direct the Los Angeles County
Agricultural Commissioner to abate nuisances on those properties within the City of Arcadia.
Mayor Wuo opened the public hearing. No one appeared to provide testimony.
A motion to close the public hearing was made by Council Member Chandler, seconded by
Council Member Harbicht and seeing no further objection, Mayor Wuo declared the public
hearing closed.
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It was moved by Council Member Harbicht seconded by Council Member Chandler and carried
on roll call vote to approve the 2009 -2010 Weed Abatement Property List and direct the Los
Angeles County Agricultural Commissioner to abate nuisances upon those properties.
AYES: Council Member Harbicht, Chandler, Amundson, Kovacic and Wuo
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
c. Consideration of Ordinance No. 2269 approving Zone Change No. ZC 09 -01 to
rezone the property located at 728 West Huntington Drive from "C -O & D"
(Professional Office with a Design Overlay) to "R -3" (Multiple Family).
Recommended Action: Introduce
Lisa Flores, Senior Planner, explained that this request to rezone subject property from C -O & D
(Professional Office with a Design Overlay) to R -3 (Multi - Family Residential) will make it more
consistent with the General Plan land use designation of Multi - Family Residential with a density
of 24 dwelling units per acre; that the proposed zone change will be consistent with the General
Plan update and with the multi - family residential properties to the west and south; and that a
residential use on the property will be less intrusive and more compatible with the neighboring
residential uses. She noted that the Planning Commission approved the proposed zone change
and recommends approval.
Council Member Kovacic reported that as a member of the Historical Society, he contacted
Carol Libby, who is the resident expert on the history of Arcadia and found out that the subject
property has been in existence for many years; that the property has no real historical
significance but it was the home and office of a well known and respected dentist named Doc
Wilcox and that according to Carol Libby, she would swim in his pool periodically and that he
was generous with his time and talents. He did request that if staff can check with the property
owner to see if the Historical Society can photograph the property before it is demolished. Ms.
Flores responded that she would check with the property owner.
Mayor Wuo opened the public hearing.
In response to Council Member Kovacic's request for the Historical Society to photograph the
property before it is demolished, Hank Jon, Civil Engineer representing the property owner
responded that the property owner has no objection to the City's request and that staff should
contact him to make arrangements.
No one else present.
A motion to close the public hearing was made by Council Member Harbicht, seconded by
Council Member Chandler and seeing no further objection, Mayor Wuo declared the public
hearing closed.
It was moved by Council Member Chandler, seconded by Council Member Kovacic and carried
on roll call vote to introduce Ordinance No. 2269 approving Zone Change No. ZC 09 -01 to
rezone the property located at 728 West Huntington Drive from "C -O & D" (Professional Office
with a Design Overlay) to "R -3" (Multiple Family) and adopt the Negative Declaration.
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AYES: Council Member Chandler, Kovacic, Amundson, Harbicht and Wuo
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
PUBLIC COMMENTS
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Jolly Wu, Arcadia resident, appeared and addressed her concerns regarding the City's
Paramedic Subscription Program; that Methodist Hospital does not accept Blue Cross
Insurance; that she received a bill from Blue Cross when her husband was in a car accident and
taken to Methodist Hospital and she wanted to go to another hospital because of the Blue Cross
issue at Methodist Hospital.
Mayor Wuo responded that Methodist Hospital does not have a contract with Blue Cross at this
time and are working on trying to get a contract in place; however, did note that if it is an
emergency Blue Cross has to cover it.
John Murphy, Arcadia resident appeared and commented on the 300 to 400 feet of street at
Highland Oaks that is in deplorable conditions; that he discussed this with Mr. Penman and was
advised that because this is not an approved budget item, funds to make the repairs would have
to be appropriated. Mr. Murphy discussed some suggestions to resolve the issue and hopes
that the City can come up with some money to make the repairs; he also stated that there is
another bear; and suggested that the City communicate with residents to take their trash out in
the mornings rather than the night before.
In response to Mr. Murphy's comments regarding the street conditions on Highland Oaks, Mr.
Penman responded that there are 41 Stone Pines on Highland that have severe root problems;
that the situation is a little more complicated than just the roots because the trees are large and
top heavy and cutting only the roots may cause the trees to become unbalanced; that $25,000 a
year is budgeted just for those trees and as part of the budget process and alternatives to
resolve the issue will be submitted for City Council consideration.
REPORTS FROM THE MAYOR, CITY COUNCIL AND CITY CLERK
In response to an inquiry from Council Member Kovacic regarding the people camping overnight
in front of City Hall, City Manager Don Penman responded that the City was accepting the first
200 firefighter applications at 7:30 a.m. the following morning and that individuals started lining
up early the day before.
Mr. Kovacic thanked the Chinese Association for honoring the City employees; he also noted
that the Arcadia Chinese Association is the primary sponsor of Law Day which will take place on
May 8 at the Library.
Council Member Amundson noted that on March 4 the Arcadia Police Department put on a
"Don't be a Victim" workshop; that it was a very informative and educational and wished that
more people would have attended; he encouraged residents to call the police when in doubt and
don't be a victim. He announced and commented on the Nixel program through the police
department and reminded residents that the City's website has valuable information.
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Council Member Chandler announced that on March 9 the Arcadia Assistance League
celebrated its 40 Anniversary of Operation School Bell; he reported that his vote by mail ballot
with the City Clerk office return address on it was returned to him by the post office and that
voters should contact the City Clerk's office if their vote by mail ballot is returned back to them.
In response to comments raised by Council Member Harbicht regarding the bike and parking
lanes on North Santa Anita Avenue, Phil Wray, Deputy Director of Development Services /City
Engineer responded that after he inspected the location, it was determined that the stripping will
be moved over about a foot.
Mr. Penman advised that modifications can be made tonight or the item can be deferred until
contact is made with the contractor regarding the extra cost; however, that because it is not on
the agenda, no decision can be made at this time.
Council Member Harbicht agreed with Mr. Wray's suggestion to move the stripping over about a
foot.
Council Member Kovacic announced that the City bike ride is scheduled for May 1, 2010.
City Attorney Steve Deitsch advised the City Council that if two findings are made, the item can
be added to the agenda for consideration; he announced that the findings would be that there is
a need to take immediate action and that the need to take action came to the attention of the
City Council after the agenda was posted and requires 4 /5 vote by the City Council.
Council Member Harbicht noted that if the City Council is comfortable with moving the stripping
over, then there would be no need for action.
It was moved by Council Member Chandler, seconded by Council Member Kovacic and carried
on roll call vote that there is a need to take immediate action and that the need to take action
came to the attention of the City Council after the agenda was posted and requires a 415 vote
for approval.
AYES: Council Member Chandler, Kovacic, Amundson, Harbicht and Wuo
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
AYES: Council Member Harbicht, Kovacic, Amundson, Chandler and Wuo
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
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Council Member Kovacic announced the two options as (1) proceed as recommended by Mr.
Way or (2) defer action for a couple of weeks to review the bike lane and bring back to a future
meeting.
After some discussion by the City Council and staff, it was moved by Council Member Harbicht,
seconded by Council Member Kovacic to move the lane over about a foot as recommended by
Mr. Wray.
In response to an inquiry by Mr. Harbicht regarding the height of hedges, Mr. Kruckeberg
responded that 3 1 /2 feet is the height limit of vegetation within the triangle near an intersection.
Mr. Harbicht commented on the lack of visibility on some corners within the City and residents
should contact the City if they have complaints.
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City Clerk Barrows announced the City /Civitan Elementary School Track Meet on March 17 and
on March 24 is the Middle School Track Meet.
Mayor Wuo also commended the Operation School Bell program and thanked the Assistance
League for all they do for the kids; he noted the read a book program at the Library and thanked
the Arcadia Beautiful Commission for sponsoring that event; he reminded everyone about the
Mayor's Community Breakfast at the Frontrunner Restaurant at Santa Anita which is also their
75 Anniversary; and reported that the City Newsletter has a lot of valuable information
regarding City activities and events.
Mr. Harbicht commented on the St. Baldrick's Childhood Cancer Fundraiser that took place at
Matt Denny's last week and heard that 40 Arcadia Firefighters had their heads shaved; that the
goal was to raise $30,000 and it looked like they raised $40,000. He congratulated everyone
who participated in the cause especially the Arcadia Firefighters who have been the driving
force behind this event for the last 5 years.
2. CONSENT CALENDAR
CITY COUNCIL ITEMS:
52:0045
a. Adopt Ordinance No. 2264 amending Section 2664.5.1 of the Arcadia Municipal
Code requiring operators to pay all taxes, interest and penalties as a condition
precedent to seeking judicial review of a determination of transient occupancy tax
liability.
Recommended Action: Adopt
b. Introduce Ordinance No. 2271 adding Section 1090 to Chapter 9 of Article I of
the Arcadia Municipal Code requiring persons filing legal action against the City
challenging liability for taxes, assessments or fees to pay all said taxes,
assessments, fees, interest and penalties as a condition precedent to seeking
judicial review.
Recommended Action: Introduce
c. Authorize the City Manager to execute a Professional Services Agreement with
Stetson Engineers, Inc. to prepare a Water Supply Assessment for the 2010
Urban Water Management Plan and General Plan EIR in the amount of $24,600.
Recommended Action: Approve
d. Authorize the City Manager to execute a contract with S. J. Grigolla Construction
Company for Second Avenue Accessibility Project in the amount of $58,367.25
and approve a 10% contingency.
Recommended Action: Approve
e. Authorize the City Manager to execute a contract with D & J Foothill Electrical
Contractors Inc. for the installation of electrical lighting and equipment at First
Avenue Middle School in the amount of $79,945.
Recommended Action: Approve
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f. Waive expenses related to traffic control services for the Sixteenth Annual Santa
Anita Derby Dav 5K to be held on Saturday, April 3, 2010.
Recommended Action: Approve
g. Authorize the City Manager to execute a Grant Application for receipt of FY 2010
Federal Funds requiring City matching funds for water system improvements.
Recommended Action: Approve
Council Member Amundson noted that when the City and School Board met, they were not
going to allow non - school children on the field because of all the work that had been done.
Mr. Tait responded that the fields will be closed periodically to allow them to recover, but did not
think that the intent was to keep people off the field and confirmed that the public will have
access to the field.
In response to a question raised by Council Member Kovacic regarding light use, Mr. Tait
responded that more teams will use the field which means that we should get 100% use of the
field on any given evening.
It was moved by Council /Agency Member Chandler seconded by Council /Agency Member
Amundson and carried on roll call vote to approve Consent Calendar items 2.a through 2.g.
AYES: Council /Agency Member Chandler, Amundson, Harbicht, Kovacic and Wuo
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
3. CITY MANAGER ITEMS /EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ITEMS:
a. Authorize a direct mail marketing project to promote restaurants located in
Downtown Arcadia.
Recommended Action: Approve
Linda Garcia, Communications, Marketing and Special Projects Manager reported that in
conjunction with the Chamber of Commerce, the City is taking a more assertive approach to the
"Shop Arcadia" campaign to promote the concept of shopping locally for goods and services; that
the Redevelopment Agency Board approved a program that will involve the use of Agency
marketing funds to promote, through a direct mail discount card, sit down restaurants located in the
downtown area would have to commit to offer patrons a 15% discount on their meal purchase within
a specified period of time. She explained the importance of sales tax revenue to the City; that the
campaign will remind people that sales tax is returned to the City if purchases are made in Arcadia.
She explained that the Redevelopment Agency has a marketing budget with funds available to
cover the cost of approximately $6,400 - $6,500 and noted that no general fund money will be used.
Beth Costanza, Chamber of Commerce President commented on the "Shop Arcadia "campaign
and how important the tax dollars are to Arcadia.
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It was moved by Council Member Harbicht, seconded by Council Member Amundson and
carried on roll call vote to authorize staff to proceed with the Downtown Arcadia restaurant
marketing project as outlined in the staff report.
AYES: Council /Agency Member Harbicht, Amundson, Chandler, Kovacic, and Wuo
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
b. Authorize the City Manager to execute a Professional Services Agreement with
IBI Group to provide design services for the Santa Anita Grade Separation
Bridge Concepts in the amount of $19,000.
Recommended Action: Approve
Phil Wray, Deputy Director of Development Services /Engineering reported on the award of a
Professional Services Agreement with the IBI Group to provide design concepts for the Santa
Anita Grade Separation as part of the Gold Line Foothill Extension Project; he further reported
that on February 16 staff presented for consideration additional improvements on the
elements of the Gold Line project; that the City Council expressed interest in exploring
improvements to the bridge design and gave staff direction to prepare design concepts and
bring back for consideration. Mr. Wray noted that the City Council's concept to the bridge
design were expressed as modest, conservative with a historic, WPA, art deco motif using
concrete without adding other materials; he further noted that in order to obtain the conceptual
bridge design, the City requires the service of a qualified bridge architectural /engineering firm;
that IBI Group has assisted the City on various tasks associated with the Gold Line Project; that
IBI is a large planning, engineering and architectural firm with experience in large transportation
projects including bridges; and that over the past few years have assisted the City as an
independent third party to review preliminary engineering plans and traffic analysis. Mr. Wray
advised that based on IBI's experience and previous knowledge of the project they make a good
candidate for the services being requested; that a proposal has been received in the amount of
$19,000 to prepare conceptual bridge design concepts and a photo simulation. Mr. Wray
advised that the cost is reasonable and requests authorization to enter into a Professional
Services Agreement with IBI Group to provide design services for the Santa Anita Grade
Separation Bridge Concepts in the amount of $19,000.
Mr. Penman announced that a Special Study Session is scheduled for Tuesday, March 23,
2010 at 8:30 a.m. to discuss and review the bridge design concepts.
It was moved by Council Member Chandler, seconded by Council Member Kovacic and carried
on roll call vote to authorize the City Manager to execute a Professional Services Agreement
with IBI Group to provide design services for the Santa Anita Grade Separation Bridge
Concepts in the amount of $19,000.
AYES: Council /Agency Member Chandler, Kovacic, Amundson, Harbicht and Wuo
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
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ADJOURNMENT
The City Council /Redevelopment Agency adjourned this meeting at 9:00 p.m. in memory of Jim
Ellsworth and Doug Speck to Tuesday, April 6, 2010, 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chamber
Conference Room located at 240 W. Huntington Drive, Arcadia.
ATTEST:
Y z--- ames —`---- H. Barrows, City Clerk
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Joh • Wuo, Mayor
52:0048
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